I'm a Jew who abhors Netanyahu and his supporters. Netanyahu was warned not to retaliate or get into a war in Gaza. He was and still is in danger of being convicted and sent to jail for various things. So off to war. His goal of eliminating Hamas is so obviously unattainable one has to wonder what his real goal is (see above about jail). Netanyahu seems more interested in killing than the return of hostages and for this will never be forgotten. What he is accomplishing is a trend of disapproval to hatred of Israel in the world and within the Jewish community, and more importantly to me, an enemy for every Palestinian who is killed, maimed, rendered homeless by him. That extends to the greater Muslim/Palestinian community.
Please do not assume that there are no Jews who are not heartbroken by all the suffering. We would appreciate an acknowledgement of Hamas's role in starting this war and the fact that there are still hostages, living and dead, being held by Hamas.
I am increasingly shocked at Israel's war on Palestinians. And no, criticizing the Israeli government has utterly nothing to do with antisemitism. They have gotten away with that lame argument for far too long. Netanyahu, like Trump, is a criminal and needs to be put away. I am disgusted that those who understand what happened in wwii are now inflicting such horrors on the Palestinian people. For shame.
If you are closer to downtown Toronto, come show your support for Palestinians every Friday between 3 pm and 6 pm. Come anytime for as long as you can. Many people come from 5 pm to 6 pm.
The location is the Israel Consulate, located at 2 Bloor Street East, on the northeast corner of Yonge and Bloor Streets.
Stand up for Human Rights.
Raise your voice to say that the elimination of 50,000 people, including 18,000 children, is NOT okay.
Will it only stop when another 2.2 million people are eradicated?
Yeah Charlie, old friends are the best teachers & examples for good and bad. The good ones are closest most trusted. You feel like an old friend & I've only been aware of you since the brothers introduced you. I'm still listening to Hanging Songs and am going to enjoy discovering your whole library. I just turned 70 and plan on attending my 1st protest. Hands Off & similar causes. Maybe give out some Canadian & Ukrainian flag posters. Inspiration and cause are a reason and purpose to commit to Humanity.
While the 1988 Hamas Charter had been widely criticized for its antisemitism, the 2017 document removed the antisemitic language and stated that Hamas' fight was not with Jews as such because of their religion but with the Zionist project.
how is that different? I'm not being snide - I really don't see the difference when the Hamas October 7 invasion, slaughter, and kidnapping didn't differentiate who the killed or kidnapped.
I am with you Charlie, in being against Genocide. However, this story is more complicated than much of the world perceives it. Hamas was elected by the Gazans to be their de facto government in 2006. (Israel had left the strip in 2005). Unfortunately, in order to fulfill the Hamas ultimate goal of making sure that Israeli state was destroyed, an arms build-up occurred, heavily financed by Arab states. Most of these armaments were stored in areas tunneled underneath Gazan residences. Hamas was putting its population in very precarious circumstances. As we all know, on October 7, 2023, Hamas attacked Israel knowing full well what the results of that attack would be.
As early as November, 2023, the war between Hamas and Israel became to be seen by much of the world as a battle between freedom fighters and oppressors. Young people, especially gravitated towards the perceived victims, the Gazans. The October 7th attack appeared to be forgotten. And Jews everywhere, not only Israelis, began to be vilified. Therein lies the complication. Anti-semitism, or Jew hatred can easily be activated in our world. I think we are all quite aware of that. In our Jewish community, emotions ran high and were complicated, so much so that some of the congregation chose to meet weekly to connect around these issues. Some spoke of taking off their Jewish star necklaces, or spoke of being verbally attacked as children simply for being Jewish.
It is easy to see a difference between Israel-Hamas and what has occurred in Ukraine. The world is quite aware that Russia invaded Ukraine. No one is accusing Ukraine of over-reacting. No one hates Ukrainians that reside in other countries. No one even hates Russians, who are the perpetrators of what some do call a “genocide” in Ukraine. (I see it as a war, not a genocide).
I have read that Gazans are now waking up. People are protesting their “rulers”, Hamas. I hope they are successful. In the meantime, the Israeli right are bound and determined to expand into both the Gaza strip and the West Bank in brutal ways. This does not herald a good outcome, and is more than disappointing. My heart hurts for everyone who is bound up in this conflict.
What is happening in Ukraine is a Genocide. Putin wants to kill every Ukrainian, just as Stalin did when he starved 10 million Ukrainians during the Holodomor.
The Jewish people have a horrible and horrifying history of suffering from non persecution and annihilation since biblical times. October 7th being the latest hate filled example of this.
I fully understand Israel’s gut wrenching need to rescue their kidnapped people and strike back harshly on the Hamas terrorists.
However, Netanyahu and his far right coalition are now acting with Nazi/Pogrom like determination to do the same thing to the Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.
What was pure evil before is still pure evil. Unchecked hatred of a people before is again unchecked hatred of another people.
Everyone should pause, bow down their heads, first in pity, then shame, then forgiveness for what has been done to innocent civilians and the warm hearted aid workers who are also dying in their efforts to help.
What is wrong with human beings who gleefully uturn themselves into slavering savages?
It is a dozen years ago this March that the late Alberta dean of theology Garth Mundle, with the assistance of two Christian Arab guides, led a group of us from Ottawa on a two-week study tour of Israel and the West Bank. My memories are of the courageous Palestinian men and youth leading non-violence teams out of the Tent of Nations in the West Bank, the moving theatre in Jenin (seeing "Palestine" where a young woman is bound in packing tape at the end), horrific sights of Hebron where above the Souk was a netting to stop settlers in the fortress-like dwelling sitting on top of Arab houses from throwing stones and more onto the shoppers below. And much more, some of it then showing some hope, mostly about the huge gap between those with power (Israelis) and those without (Palestinians). So thank you for highlighting this again. And believe me, no one who reads your stories should think that they have any relationship whatsoever with anti-semitism, that allegation designed for disempowering evidence-based thought.
Thank you Charlie for yet another excellent post this one focusing on the decades long and ongoing at this very minute. Hats off to Tom and his friends who after all these years still stand in their effort for the truth to come out, the genocide stopped and those responsible are held to account.
It is a continuing true atrocity in real time that is purposely being hidden and kept out of sight due to purposeful media black-outs from Gaza by an out of control corrupt Netanyahu government and IDF forces who continue to murder innocent people at will.
In the name of human decency this must stop. The truth of what is really going on in Gaza must be reported and shared regardless of Israels endless tired BS excuses, full stop.
PS - On another topic . . . . even with the rainy cold NS early spring day in Dartmouth this afternoon there was a good showing of enthusiastic Canadians, from young children to seniors like myself at the "Elbows Up" rally. With unity we have power to send a strong message to our leaders to make the changes needed to fight and push back fascism in its tracks.
The trouble with normal is it always gets worse.
https://www.btselem.org/
Thank you Ted for standing up against the genocide of Palestinians. You do amazing work...
Thank you, thank you , thank you, for being brave enough to speak the truth.
History is repeating itself but this time the genocide is of Palestinians.
Absolutely excruciating to watch the killing of children and an entire society, while the world stands silently by.
I'm a Jew who abhors Netanyahu and his supporters. Netanyahu was warned not to retaliate or get into a war in Gaza. He was and still is in danger of being convicted and sent to jail for various things. So off to war. His goal of eliminating Hamas is so obviously unattainable one has to wonder what his real goal is (see above about jail). Netanyahu seems more interested in killing than the return of hostages and for this will never be forgotten. What he is accomplishing is a trend of disapproval to hatred of Israel in the world and within the Jewish community, and more importantly to me, an enemy for every Palestinian who is killed, maimed, rendered homeless by him. That extends to the greater Muslim/Palestinian community.
Please do not assume that there are no Jews who are not heartbroken by all the suffering. We would appreciate an acknowledgement of Hamas's role in starting this war and the fact that there are still hostages, living and dead, being held by Hamas.
I am increasingly shocked at Israel's war on Palestinians. And no, criticizing the Israeli government has utterly nothing to do with antisemitism. They have gotten away with that lame argument for far too long. Netanyahu, like Trump, is a criminal and needs to be put away. I am disgusted that those who understand what happened in wwii are now inflicting such horrors on the Palestinian people. For shame.
Fridays for Palestine - Weekly Toronto Rally
If you are closer to downtown Toronto, come show your support for Palestinians every Friday between 3 pm and 6 pm. Come anytime for as long as you can. Many people come from 5 pm to 6 pm.
The location is the Israel Consulate, located at 2 Bloor Street East, on the northeast corner of Yonge and Bloor Streets.
Stand up for Human Rights.
Raise your voice to say that the elimination of 50,000 people, including 18,000 children, is NOT okay.
Will it only stop when another 2.2 million people are eradicated?
Yeah Charlie, old friends are the best teachers & examples for good and bad. The good ones are closest most trusted. You feel like an old friend & I've only been aware of you since the brothers introduced you. I'm still listening to Hanging Songs and am going to enjoy discovering your whole library. I just turned 70 and plan on attending my 1st protest. Hands Off & similar causes. Maybe give out some Canadian & Ukrainian flag posters. Inspiration and cause are a reason and purpose to commit to Humanity.
While the 1988 Hamas Charter had been widely criticized for its antisemitism, the 2017 document removed the antisemitic language and stated that Hamas' fight was not with Jews as such because of their religion but with the Zionist project.
how is that different? I'm not being snide - I really don't see the difference when the Hamas October 7 invasion, slaughter, and kidnapping didn't differentiate who the killed or kidnapped.
I don’t believe any of this propaganda against Israel. You seem to be a good and kind man but I am afraid I do not believe any of it.
If you don’t believe what is in front of your eyes, you are being willfully blind.
Thank you….can’t believe the ignorance of governments to this horrific genocide
Good for Mr. Schmidt.
I am with you Charlie, in being against Genocide. However, this story is more complicated than much of the world perceives it. Hamas was elected by the Gazans to be their de facto government in 2006. (Israel had left the strip in 2005). Unfortunately, in order to fulfill the Hamas ultimate goal of making sure that Israeli state was destroyed, an arms build-up occurred, heavily financed by Arab states. Most of these armaments were stored in areas tunneled underneath Gazan residences. Hamas was putting its population in very precarious circumstances. As we all know, on October 7, 2023, Hamas attacked Israel knowing full well what the results of that attack would be.
As early as November, 2023, the war between Hamas and Israel became to be seen by much of the world as a battle between freedom fighters and oppressors. Young people, especially gravitated towards the perceived victims, the Gazans. The October 7th attack appeared to be forgotten. And Jews everywhere, not only Israelis, began to be vilified. Therein lies the complication. Anti-semitism, or Jew hatred can easily be activated in our world. I think we are all quite aware of that. In our Jewish community, emotions ran high and were complicated, so much so that some of the congregation chose to meet weekly to connect around these issues. Some spoke of taking off their Jewish star necklaces, or spoke of being verbally attacked as children simply for being Jewish.
It is easy to see a difference between Israel-Hamas and what has occurred in Ukraine. The world is quite aware that Russia invaded Ukraine. No one is accusing Ukraine of over-reacting. No one hates Ukrainians that reside in other countries. No one even hates Russians, who are the perpetrators of what some do call a “genocide” in Ukraine. (I see it as a war, not a genocide).
I have read that Gazans are now waking up. People are protesting their “rulers”, Hamas. I hope they are successful. In the meantime, the Israeli right are bound and determined to expand into both the Gaza strip and the West Bank in brutal ways. This does not herald a good outcome, and is more than disappointing. My heart hurts for everyone who is bound up in this conflict.
Everyone should learn the facts. A good place to start is the Nakba of 1948.
People will realize that it’s not complicated; it’s quite simple: occupation.
Israel is guilty of genocide, and no one likes Israel.
What is happening in Ukraine is a Genocide. Putin wants to kill every Ukrainian, just as Stalin did when he starved 10 million Ukrainians during the Holodomor.
The Jewish people have a horrible and horrifying history of suffering from non persecution and annihilation since biblical times. October 7th being the latest hate filled example of this.
I fully understand Israel’s gut wrenching need to rescue their kidnapped people and strike back harshly on the Hamas terrorists.
However, Netanyahu and his far right coalition are now acting with Nazi/Pogrom like determination to do the same thing to the Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.
What was pure evil before is still pure evil. Unchecked hatred of a people before is again unchecked hatred of another people.
Everyone should pause, bow down their heads, first in pity, then shame, then forgiveness for what has been done to innocent civilians and the warm hearted aid workers who are also dying in their efforts to help.
What is wrong with human beings who gleefully uturn themselves into slavering savages?
It is a dozen years ago this March that the late Alberta dean of theology Garth Mundle, with the assistance of two Christian Arab guides, led a group of us from Ottawa on a two-week study tour of Israel and the West Bank. My memories are of the courageous Palestinian men and youth leading non-violence teams out of the Tent of Nations in the West Bank, the moving theatre in Jenin (seeing "Palestine" where a young woman is bound in packing tape at the end), horrific sights of Hebron where above the Souk was a netting to stop settlers in the fortress-like dwelling sitting on top of Arab houses from throwing stones and more onto the shoppers below. And much more, some of it then showing some hope, mostly about the huge gap between those with power (Israelis) and those without (Palestinians). So thank you for highlighting this again. And believe me, no one who reads your stories should think that they have any relationship whatsoever with anti-semitism, that allegation designed for disempowering evidence-based thought.
Thank you Charlie for yet another excellent post this one focusing on the decades long and ongoing at this very minute. Hats off to Tom and his friends who after all these years still stand in their effort for the truth to come out, the genocide stopped and those responsible are held to account.
It is a continuing true atrocity in real time that is purposely being hidden and kept out of sight due to purposeful media black-outs from Gaza by an out of control corrupt Netanyahu government and IDF forces who continue to murder innocent people at will.
In the name of human decency this must stop. The truth of what is really going on in Gaza must be reported and shared regardless of Israels endless tired BS excuses, full stop.
PS - On another topic . . . . even with the rainy cold NS early spring day in Dartmouth this afternoon there was a good showing of enthusiastic Canadians, from young children to seniors like myself at the "Elbows Up" rally. With unity we have power to send a strong message to our leaders to make the changes needed to fight and push back fascism in its tracks.
oooppps, senior moment correction . . . I should have wrote, "Ted" not Tom